At present, we have four colleagues undertaking the North East Solicitor Apprenticeship Scheme with Northumbria University. Khushi Jan, Madison Docherty, Kierra Carr and Kira Halliday are enrolled on the 6-year course combining academic study with practice-based modules and on-the-job learning and will complete the course as fully qualified solicitors.
Speaking about her experience, Madison Docherty, who has also recently completed a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship with the firm, said:
“I did go to university after completing my A-levels, but quickly realised it was not the right path for me. I came to Sweeney Miller to do legal admin, but rapidly progressed to conveyancing work. I always wanted to study Law and the solicitor apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity. I’d strongly recommend this route to anyone interested in becoming a solicitor.”
With Sweeney Miller’s commitment to career progression, all apprentices, together with everyone in the firm, also have the opportunity to take part in our own bespoke in-house training programme, designed to provide school leavers and graduates with structured, vocational based learning. The programme focusses on ensuring service standards, procedures, communication skills, administration, and technical expertise, and looks to embed the core values of the firm – ‘The Sweeney Miller Way’ – from the start of their career at the firm.
The firm also has a number of non-legal apprentices, and former apprentices who have stayed with the firm following the completion of their course, undertaking work in key business support departments including Accounts, Post Completion and Administration. Michael Corney and Dylan Hunter both joined the firm in the latter half of 2022 to undergo Accounts Assistant apprenticeships, a route taken by the firm’s current Accounts Assistant Manager, Jamie Hughes and Accounts Assistant, Rachel Spence. Ellie Lawler progressed to Administration Assistant and most recently Conveyancing Assistant. Millie Orr began her career at the firm as an apprentice before becoming an Administration Assistant.
Nieve Lewis, Post Completion Administration apprentice is following in the footsteps of Georgia Tribe, who joined the firm in 2018 in the same role before progressing to Post Completion Clerk. Former apprentices are also now undertaking other key roles in the firm including Head of Administration, Conveyancing Assistant, Legal Secretary and Administration Assistant.
Commenting on the impact of the apprenticeship schemes, Sweeney Miller Managing Partner, Surbhi Vedhara, said:
“The entire team at Sweeney Miller is committed to a culture of continuous improvement at the firm both in terms of achieving individual professional goals, as well as pushing the firm to be the best it can be. As part of that process, I am delighted and proud to see the progress that colleagues have each made through the apprenticeship scheme to achieve their career aspirations. As well as providing structured, vocational based learning, going through the apprenticeship route alongside their day to day work has meant they have developed essential technical skills and experience that will stay with them throughout their careers.”
For career opportunities with Sweeney Miller, visit our Careers pages or follow our social media channels.
National Apprenticeship Week is in its 16th year and is a week long celebration of apprenticeships, highlighting the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
